Stepping into the arcade, I was immediately struck by how sleek and modern the venue looked.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy—neon lighting, the distant roar of virtual F1 engines, and a crowd that was clearly there to have a good time.
The Octane Bar at F1 Arcade (Image: F1 Arcade)
It felt like walking into a high-end esports lounge, but with a distinct Formula 1 twist.
The Racing Experience I had pre-booked a session on one of their state-of-the-art racing simulators, and I have to say—this is as close as you can get to an F1 experience without actually being on the track.
The setup is impressive: high-tech racing wheels with force feedback, motion seats that make you feel every turn, and a massive screen displaying the action in stunning detail.
The best part? The simulators cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who knows their way around a racing line, there’s a setting that will work for you.
I went for the “Arcade Mode” first, which made the experience fun and accessible, before stepping up to a more realistic handling mode.
It definitely gets competitive, especially when racing against friends, and there were four of us in total battling it out.
Each race lasted about six minutes, and I opted for a package with multiple races.
It split the four of us into two teams and allowed us to take turns racing, and there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of battling it out on the track, even if it’s virtual.
One of the unexpected highlights of the night was the bar—this isn’t just some token drinks counter tucked away in a gaming lounge.
The F1 Arcade bar is stylish, spacious, and fully stocked with a wide-ranging cocktail menu that matches the premium feel of the venue.
They have a mix of classic cocktails and F1-inspired creations, which made choosing drinks a fun experience in itself.
I tried the “Apex Espresso Martini”, which had just the right kick to keep me sharp for the races.
My friend went for a “Pole Position” Paloma-style cocktail, which was refreshingly tangy with a tequila base.
There’s also a solid selection of wines, beers, and even some high-end champagnes if you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re more into non-alcoholic options, they have a well-thought-out range of mocktails too, which is a nice touch—especially if you’re the designated driver or just prefer to stay sharp for the racing.
The food menu is varied and well put together, offering everything from small plates to more filling meals, and the staff were friendly and attentive, making sure we were well looked after throughout the night.
As for the vibe, it’s a perfect blend of high-energy fun and premium hospitality.
There’s a mix of serious F1 fans, casual gamers, and groups just looking for a fun night out.
The music was on point—not too loud, but enough to add to the excitement.
Whether you’re an F1 fanatic, a casual gamer, or just someone who loves a great cocktail in a cool setting, there’s something here for you.
Would I go back? Definitely, and next time, I’m bringing an even bigger group to up the competition.
